Monday, September 29, 2008

Oak Grove returns to the Old West for Jesse James FestivalStaff Report • September 19, 2008

It’s a showdown on Main Street in Oak Grove this weekend as the 2008 version of the Jesse James Festival and Outlaw Roundup takes the streets.

The festival continues through the weekend with Bluff City Carnival and a city flea market on Friday and Saturday.

The main event of the weekend will be on Saturday and will feature live music and entertainment, horse and carriage rides, a stick horse rodeo, a movie at the Fiske, a barbecue contest, sweet potato pie contest, horseshoe hunt and parade. The day will also feature reenactments of gun fights on Main Street, locals in period costume, a Yankee and Confederate Shootout conducted by the Sons of the Confederate Veterans and skits performed throughout the day by Criswell and Company.

Ike Uncovers Mystery Civil War-Era Shipwreck

Friday, September 19, 2008 AP

Sept. 16: People look over the wreck of a wooden ship uncovered by Hurricane Ike on a beach on Fort Morgan Road in Fort Morgan, Ala.FORT MORGAN, Ala. , Texas ­ When the waves from Hurricane Ike receded, they left behind a mystery ­ a ragged shipwreck that archeologists say could be a two-masted Civil War schooner that ran aground in 1862 or another ship from some 70 years later.

The wreck, about six miles from Fort Morgan, had already been partially uncovered when Hurricane Camille cleared away sand in 1969.

Researchers at the time identified it as the Monticello, a battleship that partially burned when it crashed trying to get past the U.S. Navy and into Mobile Bay during the Civil War.

After examining photos of the wreck post-Ike, Museum of Mobile marine archaeologist Shea McLean agreed it is likely the Monticello, which ran aground in 1862 after sailing from Havana, according to Navy records. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,425563,00.html

Then barely a month after being general manager in 2001, Jim Shipman realized that some of the markers in a patch of grass were for Civil War veterans.

At first he thought there were 25 or 30. Now retired, Shipman has accounted for more than 150 and thinks there may be another 25. Biographies have been completed on more than 100, including two known to be black.

On Saturday dozens of people of all ages attended the fourth annual "Echoes of Blue and Gray" ceremony, which was instituted at the cemetery with the dedication of a 9-foot obelisk in 2005.

There were talks from members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sons of Confederate Veterans and United Daughters of the Confederacy, as well as a performance by the Washington Civil War Association fife and drum corps, musket and artillery salutes and the playing of "Taps."

"These men fought in America's greatest crisis, and they should not be forgotten," Shipman said.

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- From Abraham Lincoln's boyhood residence to the Mary Todd Lincoln house, visitors this year are flocking to Kentucky sites dedicated to the 16th president.But Lincoln's Confederate counterpart, Jefferson Davis, is experiencing a similar resurgence. Kentucky, which claims both men as native sons and has statues of both in its Capitol Rotunda, isn't the only place experiencing a Davis boost.

"It'll be hard for anyone to approach the level of attention that Abraham Lincoln gets because he's always classified as one of our greatest presidents," said Paul Bradshaw, manager of a Davis historic site in Georgia. "But I think there's a trend to learn more about the other side."Interest in both Civil War presidents seems on the rise amid a two-year blitz surrounding Lincoln's 200th birthday next February. This June marked 200 years since the birth of Davis, who served as president of the Confederacy.

Attendance at Kentucky's Lincoln sites has increased about 18 percent, officials say. Lincoln's birthplace and boyhood home in Hodgenville, for example, had more than 105,000 visitors in the first six months this year, compared with about 89,000 during the same period last year.In addition to the Lincoln museum, birthplace and boyhood home in Hodgenville, Kentucky has eight other museums and historic sites related to Lincoln, his family and associates.Davis' memorial in Fairview, in southwestern Kentucky, meanwhile, has seen an increase in visitors by about 12 percent overall for the year, and a nearly 30 percent jump in June, the month he was born, said Mark Doss, the Davis memorial park manager.

Increased interest in the Civil War, combined with the bicentennial events, are likely behind the renewed interest, Bradshaw said.

Rick Forte, acting director of Beauvoir, the home in Biloxi, Miss., where Davis last lived, said about 4,000 people visited the estate on June 3 for Davis' birthday celebration and grand reopening of the home after restoration work following Hurricane Katrina."We have seen just an outstanding growth of interest," Forte said. "Phone calls, e-mails, you name it."

In Lexington, Ky., a town that also boasts ties to both men, the Lexington History Museum has an exhibit featuring both Lincoln and Davis. The museum's president said a record number of people -- more than 8,000 -- have viewed the museum's exhibit. - AP

GREENBUSH — While other young kids cowered and covered their ears when the cannons went off and the yelling soldiers rode past, 4-year-old Nigel Thiel pointed and laughed.

OAS_"They're pretending fighting!" said Nigel, who was in full period costume along with his mother, Shalimar Thiel, his little brother, Graham, and his grandma, Elaine Jacks. "I like to see the battle. And I like the noise."

Nigel was one of thousands of people who will file through the Wade House Historic Site in Greenbush for the 18th annual Civil War weekend.

Marianna Day was celebrated Saturday, with several events taking place in the city to commemorate Marianna’s role during the Civil War.

Tents covered a portion of the field at Citizens Lodge Park over the weekend, where the Sons of Confederate Veterans Number 703 of Quincy, Confederate States Ship of Tallahassee Marine Guard and Order of the Confederate Rose held a Civil War living history program.The re-enactors demonstrated everyday life of both the military and civilians during the years between 1861 and 1865.

“We’re just trying to preserve our heritage,” said Pvt. David Brinkley. “And to get the truth out. The war wasn’t all about slaves. The southern states were trying to get their independence, just like the United States was during the Revolutionary War.”

Earlier in the day, the Theophilus West, M.D., Camp #1346 Sons of Confederate Veterans, held a headstone dedication and ceremony for Judge Allen Henry Bush at St. Luke’s Cemetery.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

GEORGETOWN, DEL. -On Oct. 4-5 , the Georgetown Historical Society will host its Civil War Living History Weekend. The event will be held at the Marvel Carriage Museum located at 510 South Bedford St., in Georgetown.The Historical Society has planned a very full weekend of events. Our special features during the weekend this year will be our guest speakers. Once on the grounds, you will feel that you have actually stepped back in time as you get the chance to speak to and meet these special people. We are very pleased to have Dr. Phil Carpenter, PhD. return this year as “General Robert E. Lee, Army of Northern Virginia”. Phil has done exhaustive research on General Lee and always leaves his audiences as if they really have met the General.It is also our pleasure to introduce “General Stonewall Jackson," as portrayed by Donald Willey. It is not often that you can speak with people from the past. This will be your opportunity to hear the General speak on his life, the war and his experiences during this dramatic time in our country’s history. After he has drawn you into the 19th century, take the time to meet the General up close during his question and answer session.The Georgetown Historical Society is also pleased to have several members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Camp # 2068 on hand to give visitors information on the monument that honors Delaware soldiers who served the Confederacy. This organization also has a lot of information on how to start your own research in looking for your ancestors.http://www.sussexcountian.com/entertainment/x1070363118/Civil-War-comes-to-Georgetown-Oct-4-5

MILLS RIVER - The fifth annual Blue-Gray Heritage Weekend will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Mills River.Although this year's Civil War living history event is officially the fifth annual, it is actually the successor to an event of the same name held for a number of years in the 1980s and 1990s at the historic Woodfield Inn in Flat Rock.Many people still remember that event and will often ask, "When are you having that reenactment again?" Today the event enjoys a larger site in a beautiful rural setting, with plenty of convenient parking.The purpose of the event is to teach about the history of the War Between the States era, and is a great place for school children and homeschoolers to learn about the war in Western North Carolina. Presentations will include a display and talk about the evolution of the U.S. flag and the many others used during the war, Civil War medical displays, a ladies' 1860s fashion show and a ladies' tea to highlight the social customs of the day.The event is hosted by Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 70 of Hendersonville. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children under 6.http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20080925/NEWS/809251025?Title=Event_offers_a_look_at_the_Civil_War_era

A group gathered Saturday in Oak Hill Cemetery's Confederate section to remember the timeless courage of William Thomas Overby.Overby, born in Virginia in 1837 and raised in Newnan, entered the Confederate Army in May 1861. During his service, Overby joined Col. John Mosby's Rangers. Overby and five others were taken captive on Sept. 23, 1864. Within four hours, Overby and another solder were hanged, and the four remaining captives were shot -- all without a trial.Overby is remembered as a hero because, even in the face of death, he refused to reveal Mosby's last known location. For his actions, Overby became the only Georgian to be awarded the Confederate Medal of Honor.On Saturday, Kelly Barrow, commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Army of Tenn., spoke during the program. Barrow said true southerners are different because "we're nourished by the memories of our heroes." It is his wish to see school children "taught about all heroes -- including ours."http://www.times-herald.com/Local/Overby-remembrance-held-in-Oak-Hill---556296

The Dyer County Regional Planning Commission passed resolutions Thursday allowing historic monuments and advertising signs in forestry, agriculture and recreation zones.The resolutions also must be approved by the Dyer County Commission before becoming part of the county's zoning regulations.

The resolutions are perceived as potential solutions to two controversial topics: a giant flagpole near Trimble and an alleged case of spot zoning for a Highway 78 billboard.

Under the proposed amendments, anyone who wants to erect a monument or sign must seek special permits from the county's Board of Zoning Appeals.

The flagpole

The Sons of Confederate Veterans erected an 80-foot-tall flagpole near Pierce Cemetery in a forestry, agriculture and recreation (FAR) zone. A 20-by-30-foot Confederate flag now flies high on a hill overlooking Interstate 155.

Last month, Bill Foster of Union City, commander of the 10-county Sons of Confederate Veterans division that established the flagpole, said it is part of a complex "for history, heritage and honor." The SCV plans to place Confederate "mega-flags" along routes across the southern United States.

After the flagpole was erected, a complaint was filed with the Dyer County Board of Zoning Appeals. Historic monuments, such as this, are not permitted in FAR zones. The board declined Aug. 12 to approve a variance for the flagpole, but board members said the SCV could ask the county to amend its zoning regulations.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Public to get first peek at Mahone’s Tavern

BY R.E. SPEARS III/STAFF WRITER/res.spears@tidewaternews.com

Friday, September 5, 2008 7:38 PM EDT

COURTLAND—Following its purchase by an undisclosed Virginia Beach benefactor, Mahone’s Tavern will be open for public tours for the first time later this month.

Members of the Urquhart-Gillette Camp No. 1471, Sons of Confederate Veterans, plan to open the antebellum mansion for public viewing during the Southampton Historical Society’s annual Heritage Day on Sept. 20.

It will be the first of many planned events that will help the organization raise the money it needs to pay back the debt associated with buying, maintaining and restoring the house, according to Tommy Simmons, local SCV commander.

Simmons said the organization expected to receive its incorporation papers this week, codifying its status as a nonprofit entity and then allowing a formal deal to be struck with the person who bought the building, which was the boyhood home of Confederate Gen. William Mahone.

“When the nonprofit entity becomes a reality, then we can in turn deal with the party that took the house off the market,” he explained. “I feel like we’re on the right path now.”

From the perspective of Simmons and other history buffs throughout the area, the current path is a much safer one for the building than the one it seemed to be on this spring, when a “For Sale” sign hung outside and the SCV worried that Realtors were getting calls from private citizens or developers with little or no interest in the home’s historic significance.

“We had worried that someone would want to do something else with it,” turning it into a bed-and-breakfast, tearing it down or interfering with its historic status in some other way, he said.

Although other parties had expressed an interest in buying the house to preserve it, sources said this week that they had been unable to raise the money to do so. Simmons’ group worked with the Virginia Beach buyer for about three months before the purchase finally went through.

That buyer had seen a newspaper article about the house and the SCV’s hopes for it and had called offering to help, Simmons said Wednesday.

Simmons and his group announced in May that they were looking for a way to take ownership of the home and use it as a meeting place and activity center for the SCV camp and the local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

He also promised that it would be opened for tours, Civil War-type encampments and even some private events.

Heritage Day, he said Wednesday, offers a good first opportunity to do so.

The Camp will open the house for tours Sept. 20 during the Historical Society’s event at the Southampton Agriculture and Forestry Museum. Simmons said that Blair Bunn of Newsoms will run a mule-driven Amish wagon with up to 20 guests at a time to and from the Mahone Tavern.

Guests can board the wagon at the museum for a $2 fee, which includes a chance to win a historic portrait by nationally known artist and author Henry Kidd of Colonial Heights.

While at the Tavern, they will be able to see a mock encampment behind the antebellum mansion and interact with people wearing period dress.

For the night prior to Heritage Day, the Camp has planned a fish fry, catered by Nixon’s, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. A limited number of seats are available, or food may be taken out. Tickets are $8 and are available from any local SCV member.

Proceeds from both events will help pay the $210,000 debt on the property, Simmons said.

Mahone’s Tavern was built as a residence in 1794 by Samuel Kello, Southampton County’s second Clerk of the Court.

William Mahone, who was born in Monroe and would later become a general in the Confederate Army, moved to the house with his parents in 1840, after the Nat Turner rebellion. They believed the town, known as Jerusalem at the time, would be a safer place to live and raise their family.

The Mahone family would later build a breezeway between the residence and the home next door, operating the two buildings as a bed-and-breakfast serving people who came to town with business at the courthouse across the street.

Eventually the building became known as Mahone’s Tavern.

Both homes still exist today, though the breezeway has been removed and the Town of Courtland owns the neighboring home.

TAMPA ­ The giant Confederate flag near Interstates 75 and 4 has been flying for nearly two weeks, and this time it is likely to stay aloft, backers say.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans first raised the banner for 20 minutes on April 1, and then again on June 3 and on Flag Day, June 14, on private property where they were building a monument to honor Confederate soldiers. They have put it up and lowered it three times, never flying it for more than a day or so.

The earliest known burial in the Confederate Cemetery, located in theOld Village, took place in 1814. These are two graves located there.

Howard Chalmers, Commander of the Sons of Confederate Veteran’s Moultrie Camp #27 stood alongsideMount Pleasant’s very own historian, Mary Julia Royall Thursday looking out over the graves of our confederate soldiers.They were in Mount Pleasant’s only Confederate Cemetery, located in the Old Village to facilitate a historical “passing of the torch.”

Royall, president of the Dr. John DuPré Confederate Memorial Association (JDCMA) bequeathed theConfederate Cemetery to the Moultrie Camp in an effort to ensure that the Cemetery is preserved in perpetuity....

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

In 1878, ex-Confederate President Jefferson Davis wrote: "Our house was given its name by its former possessor to expressa beautiful prospect. The air is soft. In winter especially the sea breeze is invigorating. The oranges are shining golden onthe trees, and our pine-knot fires soar in the chimneys; in their light I try to bury my unhappiness."

Davis had much to be unhappy about. Not only had the South's bid for independence failed and its leader beenarrested and imprisoned -- for a brief time in chains -- but Davis was sickly and broke. Beauvoir would be his final refuge from 1877 to 1889, when he died in New Orleans returning from a trip to Brierfield, his old plantation on theMississippi River.